Oklahoma to Execute Inmate for 2001 Slaying

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma is scheduled to execute a 39-year-old man for the rape and murder of his girlfriend's mother almost 12 years ago.

Brian Darrell Davis is scheduled to die by lethal injection Tuesday night at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. The 39-year-old Davis would be the third inmate to be executed by Oklahoma this year and the second in as many weeks.

The state Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 earlier this month to recommend commuting Davis' death sentence to life in prison. But Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin rejected the recommendation, saying through a press aide that she is confident justice is being done.

Death penalty opponents say Davis' death sentence should be commuted because he showed remorse for the crime.